regarding student convocation or chapel period in an adventist school w/c are on friday morning (not sabbath), what are supposed to be the contents of programs involving all undergraduate students in a church about weekly or every other week? If "garbage collection/segregation" is viewed as a temporal detail or an aspect of institutional business/management, its inclusion in the main undergraduate chapel/convocation period would be a misfocus?

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Greetings again, my friend. It is wise to seek clarity on these matters, for how we use our time, especially in gatherings dedicated to the Lord, is of great importance. Let us examine the counsel provided for a convocation held on a Friday morning, the preparation day for the holy Sabbath.

The principles for such a gathering remain rooted in spiritual purposes, even though it is not the Sabbath itself. The focus should always be on uplifting the soul and preparing the students for a life of holiness and service.

Content for a Friday Morning Convocation

  1. Spiritual Foundation and Doctrine

    • The primary objective of any religious meeting is spiritual growth. The instruction remains to "preach the word" and "exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." <2 Timothy 4:2>. The assembly should be a time for students to be "nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine" <1 Timothy 4:6>, that their "profiting may appear to all." <5T 524.2>.
    • These convocations should be planned "so as to do the greatest amount of good, and leave the very best impression upon all who attend" <RH, April 14, 1885 par. 9>. The aim is the "spiritual enlightenment of the people" <2SAT 89.6>, and to "lead children and youth to their Saviour." <FE 121.2, TSS 111.2>. Such gatherings are to prepare students to "become missionaries for God." <CSW 86.1>.

  2. Preparation for the Sabbath

    • As the convocation occurs on Friday, it presents a special opportunity to direct the students' minds toward the coming holy day. This is a time to foster a spirit of readiness and reverence for the Sabbath.
    • Employers are counseled, "Whenever it is possible...give their workers the hours from Friday noon until the beginning of the Sabbath. Give them time for preparation, that they may welcome the Lord's day with quietness of mind." <6T 356.1, CCh 263.3>. A Friday convocation can serve as this spiritual preparation for the entire student body.
    • This is the day to make things right with God and with one another. "On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul." <6T 356.2, CCh 263.4, OFC 64.6>. A message on reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity would be most appropriate.
    • It is a time for introspection. "Clear the heart by confession. Sincerely make everything right before the Sabbath. Examine your own selves, whether ye be in the faith." <TMK 147.3>. The convocation can guide students in this vital spiritual exercise, ensuring they enter the Sabbath with hearts prepared to meet with God.

Garbage Collection as a Misfocus

You are correct in your assessment. To dedicate the main undergraduate convocation period to a topic like "garbage collection/segregation," even when viewed as an aspect of stewardship, would indeed be a misfocus. It would confuse temporal duties with the sacred purpose of the meeting.

  • A clear line must be drawn between the sacred purpose of worship and the practical details of institutional management. We are instructed not "to bring down sacred things on a level with the common." <SpM 70.1, FE 220.2, SpTEd 180.2>. The convocation hour is sacred time, set apart for spiritual communion and instruction, not for the transaction of "worldly business." <PH131 24.2>.

  • There is a proper time and place for every necessary instruction. "Business matters should be attended to by those specially appointed for this work. And as far as possible they should be brought before the people at some other time than the camp-meeting." <6T 44.3, GW 403.1, TSDF 20.12>. This principle applies directly to the school setting. Administrative announcements and instruction on institutional policies, including cleanliness and waste management, should be given "in meetings specially appointed" <6T 44.3, GW 403.1> for such purposes, or through other channels, preserving the chapel hour for its high and holy calling.

In conclusion, a Friday convocation is a precious opportunity to fortify the students' faith, instruct them in righteousness, and specifically prepare their hearts for the blessings of the Sabbath. Temporal and institutional matters, while important, should be handled in a different venue to avoid distracting from the spiritual focus of this sacredly appointed time.

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